At their Indianapolis base, Formula E’s Antonio Felix Da Costa is preparing for a November IndyCar test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
The reigning champion of the electric single-seater series, Da Costa has always had a keen interest in IndyCar, a series in some ways akin to that which he has thus far secured one world championship in.
Having been seen in the city home to many drivers, team owners, and team headquarters’, rumors were circulating that he could be looking into a seat in the series. However, this announcement lays to rest those rumors – at least in the interim.
The test is to take place at Barber, serving as post-season track time on November second. Other teams and drivers will be in attendance, completing programs of their own. “I have never hidden the fact that it’s a big dream of mine to come try out an Indy car,” an enthusiastic Da Costa began. “I am a big fan of how America, and INDYCAR in particular, goes about the sport and have been a huge fan for many years.
“I have known Bobby [Rahal] for a few years. We always met at the BMW Christmas dinners and every year I kept saying ‘Come on, let me have a go’ and finally now I got the call to come meet the team and test.
“It’s very exciting times for me and something I have been looking forward to a lot. The first contact with the team has been very positive and everyone has been friendly. I can see there is a high level of professionalism in the team which was to be expected. I’m excited to get on track,” Da Costa added, having never before driven an IndyCar in any setting.
Bobby Rahal, co-owner of the team supporting the test, explained that unavailability on the part of Graham Rahal afforded them the opportunity to use such a test in this unique way. Rahal also explained that their partnership with BMW in other series’ made this a logical step.
“We were unable to maximize a full team test using one of our three days, since Graham is waiting for the arrival of his first child so this enables us to test a young and very accomplished driver in Antonio Félix da Costa. Through our partnership with BMW on the sports car side, we have followed his career and are excited to see what he can do in an Indy car.”
A co-owner to Rahal, Mike Lanigan added: “We have heard a lot of great things about this young man’s talent and look forward to good results from our test at Barber Motorsports Park. It always adds value to get another perspective and we are confident he can provide good insight.”
Here’s what Red Bull’s Christian Horner said on Da Costa in F1